Juliet Binns
BA (Hons) English Literature, 2011; MA Publishing, 2012

"Studying English Literature at Anglia Ruskin has given me the confidence to investigate exactly what I love about literature. My passion for books developed over the three-year course and led me, along with invaluable advice from the Faculty, to pursue a career in publishing. I am now working for Cambridge University Press in their Academic and Professional Books department and am thriving in my new environment. I can't thank the English Department enough for their help in getting me to the career of my dreams."

Eva Lippold, (Germany)
BA (Hons) English Literature, 2012

"Studying at Anglia Ruskin was a great decision. I love my course because it is so varied; it allows you to explore different areas of literature and find out what you're most interested in. It offers a lot of choice, and has encouraged me to pursue my own interests and really enjoy my work. My tutors have been extremely helpful and supportive right from the beginning. I never felt I would be left alone with any problems I might have.The university societies, like the Literary Society, are a great way of meeting other people with the same interests and getting involved in activities outside your course.

Deciding to study in another country was a big step and did seem slightly daunting at first; but being part of this university has really made me feel at home."

Nete Brogaard
BA (Hons) English Literature, 2011

"Anglia Ruskin University was my only choice when applying to university through UCAS and was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I enjoy absolutely every single aspect of my course - apart from dead-lines!

The lecturers always impart their enthusiasm and knowledge in such a way that I am loath to miss a single lecture. The seminars successfully work as guided brainstorm sessions which result in interesting literary debates. I particularly enjoy researching topics in order to develop arguments to be used in essay. I will even admit to having enjoyed writing essays - even though it is mostly in hindsight - when work has been credited according to effort. I take great satisfaction in having become more adept at linking literature to philosophical ideas, politics and historical events and thereby feel more enlightened about the world we live in.

I was excited to be selected as an Undergraduate Researcher (as part of the Undergraduate Researcher Scheme) to help Dr. John Gardner research materials for a book that he is currently writing. I spent eight weeks over the summer holiday trawling through documents in archives and libraries across the country and honestly, I have rarely enjoyed anything as much. The skills I developed will be of invaluable use for me for the rest of my academic career and hopefully the information that I unearthed will be of use to Dr. Gardner.

I anticipated that staff at Anglia Ruskin University would be knowledgeable but the friendliness and support of its English Department has greatly exceeded my expectations - 10 out of 10. The professors and lecturers want you succeed. They believe you can. I would recommend studying English Literature because the Department is run so well by first rate staff."

Marion Gent
BA (Hons) English Literature

"I am about to complete Level 2 of a part-time degree. My experience as a mature student at Anglia Ruskin has far surpassed my expectations. I have been consistently impressed by the quality of this stimulating course. It has been a joy to be re-acquainted with texts I have known and exhilarating to encounter new and sometimes challenging writers. To engage with learning in such a positive and creative way feels a real privilege, bringing depth to my thinking and awakening new trains of thought. I have no reservation in recommending the course."

Guin Glasfurd-Brown
MA Creative Writing, 2011

"Taking the MA Creative Writing at Anglia Ruskin University is, without doubt, one of the best decisions I have made in recent years.

The MA has been pivotal to my development as an early career writer. It has provided me with a core set of skills on which to build and feedback to enable me to refine my work, to find its hard, bright edge. One of the most valuable aspects of the course has been the opportunity for me to develop my interest in art and writing. I am now writing a series of stories that explore the work of British artist, Julian Opie.

I failed English Literature at school and I don't have a literary background, so putting my work 'out there' alongside published writers was extremely daunting. I want to thank the students I work with, because I have had great support from them, and the teaching staff on the MA who have shown me tremendous encouragement."

Esme Chapman
MA Publishing, 2012

"For me the best thing about the MA Publishing was the way it provided a contextual understanding of the publishing industry, such that I now understand the publishing process as a whole. Through the course I built up many skills from using inDesign to proofreading, and my knowledge was greatly enhanced through lectures from industry professionals at high profile companies including Cambridge University Press, Penguin and Harper Collins.

Looking back, I feel that the course exceeded my expectations and I have happily recommended it to many others since. After finishing my dissertation I began applying for full-time publishing jobs and was soon appointed to my current role of Editorial Assistant at Flame Tree Publishing, an independent culture and lifestyle publisher in London. I really feel completing the MA Publishing helped my application stand out and gave me the opportunity to enhance my CV through internships."

Beth Jones
MA Publishing, 2010

"With ambitions to start my own business in English teaching publishing, I was excited to discover the MA Publishing at Anglia Ruskin University and have been thoroughly pleased with the level of tuition and the amazing opportunities I have been offered during the year. Not only are the lectures conducted by current publishing professionals who have invaluable insight into the field, but the master classes are given by famous names who have inspired me with their experience and spirit.

I have been lucky enough to become involved in setting up a professional publishing society which has put me in direct contact with the publishing community and ensured I gain in-depth industry knowledge. Work experience at Cambridge University Press (a highly sought-after activity) has allowed me real-world practice of my university learning. Lectures take place in the evening enabling me to take full advantage of the wide-ranging work links available.

The course leader and all the lecturers have been on hand at all times for academic and professional support, something that generally makes the difference between a good course and a great course and I have made firm friendships with my peers."

Penny Hancock
MA Creative Writing, 2009

Following a two-book publishing deal with Simon & Schuster...

"People ask whether the MA made any difference to my writing and whether it helped me to get published. The answer to both questions is yes. As well as the taught workshops and tutorials, which challenged us to take risks with our work, there was the exchange of ideas and feedback afforded by being amongst like-minded people (students as well as tutors). The opportunity to consult a Royal Literary Fellow for feedback on our work, was an added bonus, as were the many extra lectures in subjects I might not have otherwise considered, such as the screen writing workshop and the Science Fiction evening. The structure of the course with its five modules enabled us to explore different forms for our work and to try, for example, novel writing where we might otherwise have only tackled the short story.

There is no doubt that meeting and talking to professional writers is one of the most useful ways of learning about the industry and where to target your work and the MA provided this opportunity as well, through its employment of working writers as tutors.

I chose the part -time option, and it was a most rewarding two years. I am extremely grateful to those who encouraged me to complete it, and would urge others who take their writing seriously to consider taking the MA in Creative Writing at Anglia Ruskin."

Mandy Bolster
MA English Literature, 2009

"The MA in English was a really stimulating course, offering both reasonable breadth in covering different periods and the opportunity to choose a narrower focus for in-depth study in the final dissertation. Both these features had their own pleasures: it was interesting and motivating to read and engage with new approaches to literary studies for discussion in seminars, and the dissertation writing, though considerably less sociable, was a welcome challenge that allowed for personal and academic growth.

The staff at Anglia Ruskin are very friendly and helpful, and the library is great. Anyone worried about fitting part-time study around their job and other commitments should remember that a course like this generates its own energy and enthusiasm, and you can usually find a way of making it work, even if your house is not quite so clean for a couple of years!"